Hong Kong Young Writers Anthologies Fiction 2020complete | Page 493

***
“Wait, where are we going?” Isabelle asked breathlessly. Her friend had been running flat out for the past few
seconds, and she, as a person who nevers exercises, is about to pass out any second.
“Here we are. Isabelle Moon, welcome to my father’s laboratory.” Towering above them was a magnificent
tower made of marble. Taking a deep breath, they stepped into the laboratory.
Dr. James Laboratory, HK
“Hey! Found anything yet?” Violett called.
***
“Nope.” Isabelle replied. “Just a smelly old sock and some papers.”
They had been foraging around the laboratory for hours, trying to find the box mentioned in the letter.
“Got it!” Violett screamed suddenly, waving a box at Isabelle.. On top of the box, Hsvmasvm (2) was inscribed.
“Let’s see what my father has hidden.”
***
Shenzhen hospital(Dr. James’ wing)
Violett wrinkled her nose. She had never liked the smell of hospitals. The sterile odour always give her the
creeps. Isabelle nudged her. “I tink there’s something wrong with this hospital, don’t you think? It looks so
creepy.”
Violett couldn’t help but agree with her. She opened her mouth to respond, just as a wave of blackness drowned
her and she fell into nothingness.
When Violett woke up, she saw an old man towering above her. “Our Sleeping Beauty, finally awake!” He
exclaimed.
***
“Get your hands off me!” Isabelle shouted, shoving at the masked man who was holding her tightly. Despite her
actions, she actually felt really scared. What if something happens to me? And Violett…
The man ignored her pushing and shoving. “Stop it, you fool. I’m ten times stronger than you.” He smirked as
he took a rope and secured it on Isabelle’s wrist. “Oh, and by the way,” He leaned in and said in a deadly
whisper. “I won’t try to escape if I were you. Once you pull at the rope, the bottle next room will fall, killing
your friend.”Sneering, he stalked out.
***
“ Do you remember me? I’m Uncle Alastair!” Alastair swept Violett into a hug. Violett grimaced. She hated the
strong smell of iodoform and what, blood?
“So. I get that you’ve found the newest technology?” Alastair asked, his false smile still plastered.
I hate him. Violett thought. But she had to put up a performance, or else this man might take away the
evidence—her father’s newest invention.
“I’m sorry, I don’t know anything.” Violett said.
“Oh, but you do!” Alistair said. “That box your father gave you, it’s somewhere there right? ” He pointed.
“No.” Violett protested. She was not going to give the precious invention to him.
“Check!” Alastair shouted, impatient. He was going towards Violett. “You give me the box right now, or your
friend next room dies. Got it?” He recomposed his posture.
Unwillingly, Violett reached into her bag just as a beep sounded. She glanced quickly at Alastair, and peeped at
the message.
I’m going to pull the rope in my room that’ll set your room on fire. TAKE THE EVIDENCE AND
GOOOOOOO!